Camera accessory mounting element

ABSTRACT

A camera accessory mounting element includes attachment elements configured to mount to a component of a camera, such as a lens or a flash device. One or more peripheral devices may be attached to the camera accessory mounting element using attachment elements such as magnets. Peripheral devices include a grid, a light directing dish, a lens hood, a lens adaptor, a step-ring, a lens filter, a lens extension tubes, a light diffusers, a light filter, and a light directing device.

RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims priority to and the benefit of U.S. ProvisionalApplication No. 61/887,144, filed Oct. 4, 2013, which the disclosure ofis hereby incorporated by reference herein in its entirety.

INTRODUCTION

To aid in the use of cameras, peripheral devices may be used. Someperipheral devices attach to the lens and/or flash equipment of cameras.Devices that may be attached to a lens include lens hoods, lensadaptors, step-rings, lens filters, and lens extension tubes. Devicesthat may be attached to flash equipment include light diffusers, lightfilters, and light directing devices.

Attaching peripheral devices to cameras presents challenges. Forexample, certain attachment mechanisms require the use of straps andbulky equipment. The straps are easily lost, and some users find the useof straps clumsy and difficult to use.

Other attachment mechanisms are made of a rigid material that ismanufactured for a specific make of camera lens or camera flash. Thesemechanisms are not interchangeable among makes of multiple camera lensesand camera flashes.

Further, current attachments allow only for one device to be attached toa camera element at a time. This configuration prevents multipleperipheral devices (e.g., filters and diffusers) from being attached toa single piece of flash equipment.

It is with respect to these and other considerations that thetechnologies described below have been developed. Also, althoughrelatively specific problems have been discussed, it should beunderstood that the embodiments should not be limited to solving thespecific problems identified in the introduction.

Camera Accessory Mounting Element

The technology relates to a camera accessory mounting element withattachment elements configured to mount to components of a camera, suchas a lens or a flash device. One or more peripheral devices may beattached to the camera accessory mounting element using attachmentelements such as magnets. Peripheral devices may include a grid, a lightdirecting dish, a lens hood, a lens adaptor, a step-ring, a lens filter,a lens extension tubes, a light diffusers, a light filter, and a lightdirecting device. Other peripheral devices are contemplated.

An apparatus for attaching one or more peripheral devices to a camera isdisclosed. The apparatus includes a body having an interior walldefining an opening. The body may be configured to flexibly deform andhave an attachment element secured to the body.

Further, a light directing device adapted to couple to an apparatus isdisclosed. The light direct device may be used for attaching one or moreperipheral devices to a camera. The light directing device may havefrustoconical hollow body The frustoconical hollow body may include abase end of the hollow body, a light directing end of the hollow body,an interior portion designed to direct light from the base end to thelight directing end, and an attachment element secured to the base endof the hollow body.

Additionally, a method of mounting an accessory to a camera isdisclosed. The method includes stretching a camera accessory mountingdevice such that an opening of the camera accessory mounting elementwill receive a portion of the camera, inserting the portion of thecamera into the opening, and releasing the camera accessory mountingdevice from the stretched position.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Non-limiting and non-exhaustive embodiments are described with referenceto the following figures:

FIG. 1A illustrates an embodiment of a camera accessory mountingelement;

FIG. 1B illustrates an embodiment of a camera accessory mounting elementin an environment;

FIG. 2A illustrates a view front perspective view of an embodiment of alight directing dish;

FIG. 2B illustrates a view back perspective view of an embodiment of alight directing dish;

FIG. 3 illustrates an embodiment of a grid peripheral device;

FIG. 4A illustrates a front perspective view of an embodiment of a lightfilter peripheral device;

FIG. 4B illustrates a side perspective view of an embodiment of a lightfilter peripheral device;

FIG. 5 illustrates an exploded view of multiple peripheral devicesattached to a camera component using a camera accessory mountingelement;

FIG. 6 illustrates an exploded view of a light-directing dish attachedto a camera component using a using a camera accessory mounting element;and

FIG. 7 illustrates camera accessory mounting element attached to a lensof a camera.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

As used in this disclosure, a camera is an optical instrument thatrecords images. The images may be stored locally, transmitted to anotherlocation, or both. These images may be still photographs or movingimages such as videos or movies. The medium upon which the images arestored may be video tape, digital media (RAM, ROM, CD, solid statedrives, etc.), film, or any other now known or later developed mediumsuitable for storing images.

With reference to FIG. 1A and FIG. 1B, each illustrates an embodiment ofa camera accessory mounting element 100, with FIG. 1B illustrating anembodiment of a camera accessory mounting element attached to a cameraflash. FIGS. 1A and 1B illustrate a body 102 having a face 104, a base106, an exterior wall 108, and an interior wall 110 that defines anopening 112. Additionally, a camera accessory mounting element 100includes an attachment element 114. In an embodiment, the attachmentelement 110 is disposed in a housing element 116.

As illustrated, the body 102 is of a unitary construction. The body 102may be configured such that it can elastically deform to attach tovarious parts of a camera. In an embodiment, the body 102 is made of amaterial that has an elastic property, such that it can deform orstretch during use but substantially return to its original shape. Forexample, the body 102 is in the form of a stretchable, flexible band.Accordingly, the body 102 may be made from silicone, polyurethane,neoprene, rubber, elastomeric, elastic, elastic polymer, flexiblerubber, or any other suitable material now known or later developed. Inother embodiments, the body is rigid. Still in others, the body hasportions that are flexible and portions that are rigid.

In certain embodiments, the body need not be a unitary construction, butmay be made of various types of materials. For example the body may haverigid elements. Such an embodiment may include a flexible body withrigid elements affixed to the face of the body. These rigid portions maybe used as an attachment element. Other examples include using rigidelements to provide structural support to the body.

FIG. 1A additionally illustrates an exterior wall 108 and an interiorwall 110. The body 102 may include one or more interior walls 110 thatdefine an opening 112. For example, the body 102 may have a singleinterior wall 110, which may form a substantially circular or ovalshaped opening 112. In another embodiment, the single interior wall 110may form a rectangular shaped opening 112 with rounded corners. Still inother embodiments, there may be multiple interior walls 110 such that itforms a square opening 112, a hexagonal opening 112, or anotherpolygonal shaped opening 112.

The opening 112 is defined by a height H, a width W, and a depth D. Inan embodiment, the height of the opening 112 may be about 1.5 inches,the width may be about 2 inches, and the depth may be about 0.7 inches.In embodiments where the body is flexible, the dimensions may bestretched from the original dimensions. Other dimensions arecontemplated.

FIG. 1B illustrates an attached configuration of body 102. In anembodiment, the use of flexible materials in the body 102 allows thecamera accessory mounting element 100 to be used with camera elementseach having a variety of forms such as lenses, flash equipment, etc. Forexample, the body 102 is flexible, which allows the body to stretch tofit a component 118 of a camera. Additionally, a user may stretch thebody 102, orientate the body 102 so that a camera component 118 fitsinto the opening 112 of a body, and then release the body 102. Thisallows the body 102 to form a robust connection to the component 118 towhich it is mounted. Such a configuration may allow the body 102 tomount to a variety of camera component designs. Camera componentsinclude lenses and flash equipment.

As illustrated in FIG. 1B, the body 102 has been stretched to fit over acomponent 118 that is a flash component of a camera. One way to place abody 102 on a component 118 of a camera, such as the light of the flashequipment, is to stretch the body 102 and dispose the component 118 ofthe camera in the opening 112. The body 102 compresses around thecomponent 118 of the camera to form a robust connection with thecomponent 118.

Additionally, FIG. 1B illustrates the face 104. The face 104 is adaptedto face outwardly from the component 118, while the base 106 isproximate to the component 118. Though FIG. 1B illustrates the body 102attached to a flash device of a camera, a body may be attached to otherportions of the camera including the lens of a camera.

Additionally, FIGS. 1A and 1B illustrate an attachment element 114. Theattachment element 114 may be a variety of elements such as ahook-and-loop fastener, a magnet, a snap connector, a button, a cavity,an adhesive, a clamp, and a threaded connection. Additionally, othertypes of coupling elements are contemplated. For example, attachmentelement 114 may be snap connectors, hook-and-loop fasteners, or threadslocated on the face 104 of the camera accessory mounting element 100.

As illustrated, the attachment element 114 is a cylindrical magnet, andmay be a rare earth magnet. In an embodiment, the magnet 114 isremovably inserted into a housing element 116. In other embodiments, thebody 102 is manufactured to permanently house one or more magnets in oneor more housing elements 116. Still in other embodiments, the attachmentelement 114 magnet is made of a flexible, elastic magnet that isincorporated into (or makes up in entirety) the body 102.

As illustrated, the two housing elements 116 protrude from the body 102.Each housing element 116 may be adapted to receive the attachmentelement 114. More or less housing elements may be used depending on thedesired location of the attachment element 114. Location of theattachment element 114 is chosen in such a way as to enable theattachment of a peripheral device such as a grid, a light directingdish, a lens hood, a lens adaptor, a step-ring, a lens filter, a lensextension tube, a light diffuser, a light filter, and a light directingdevice. For example, in embodiments having magnets as the attachmentelements 114, the magnets 114 will align with magnets (or anotherferromagnetic material) of a peripheral device.

FIGS. 2A and 2B illustrate an embodiment of a light directing dish 200.As illustrated, the light directing dish 200 is of a frustoconicalshape. The dish 200 has an interior portion 202 and an exterior portion204. Additionally, the light directing dish 200 has a dish base 206.Further, the dish base 206 has connecting elements 208 housed inconnecting element housing 210.

As illustrated, the light directing dish 200 is of a unitaryconstruction. In an embodiment, the light directing dish 200 is made ofan elastic or flexible material. For example, the light directing dish200 may be made from silicone, polyurethane, neoprene, rubber,elastomeric, elastic, elastic polymer, flexible rubber, or any othersuitable material now known or later developed. In other embodiments,the light directing dish 200 is rigid. Still in others, the lightdirecting dish 200 has portions that are flexible and portions that arerigid.

In an embodiment, the light directing dish need not be a unitaryconstruction, but may be made of various types of materials. For examplethe light directing dish may have rigid elements. Such an embodiment mayinclude rigid elements affixed to the dish base. These rigid portionsmay be used as connecting elements (such as, for example, hooks). Otherexamples include using rigid elements to provide structural support tothe light directing dish.

The light directing dish 200 is collapsible in an embodiment. The dish200 may collapse by folding along one or more bendable score lines 212.Additionally, one aspect of the current technology provides for collapsealong an axis. For example, the bendable score lines 212 may be aportion of the dish that has been designed to fold. Such design may beone of thinning the material of dish 200 so that it easily bends. Othermethods may be used to form bendable score lines 212. As illustrated,the bendable score lines 212 are in concentric circles.

The dish base 206 may attach to a camera accessory mounting element,such as the camera accessory mounting element described with referenceto FIGS. 1A and 1B. Alternatively, the dish base 206 may attach toanother peripheral device, such as a grid similar to or the same as thegrid described with reference to FIG. 3. The dish base 206 may have asubstantially flat surface designed to attach flush with the face of acamera attachment mounting element or another peripheral device.

The connecting elements 208 are adapted to secure the dish 200 to acamera accessory mounting element or another peripheral device. In anembodiment, connecting element 208 is a magnet. A magnet may be of anyshape, and may be removable and stored in the dish base 206. Forexample, the magnets may be of cylindrical shape and may be removablyinserted into a connecting element housing 210. In other embodiments,there may be a ring shaped magnet that is embedded in the base such thatit is not readily removed. In another embodiment, the magnet may be aflexible magnet incorporated into or on the dish base 206.

In other embodiments, the connecting element 208 may be a variety ofelements such as a hook-and-loop fastener, a snap connector, a button, acavity, an adhesive, a clamp, and a threaded connection. For example, ahook-and-loop fastener may be placed on the dish base 206, and may bedesigned to attach to a hook-and-loop fastener placed on the face of acamera accessory mounting element or a grid. Additionally, other typesof connecting elements are contemplated.

FIG. 3 illustrates an embodiment of a grid peripheral device 300. Asillustrated, the grid peripheral device 300 has a grid pattern 302, aside ridge 304, a grid face 306, a grid base 308, an attachment element310, and an attachment element housing 312.

In an embodiment, the grid peripheral device 300 is of a unitaryconstruction. For example, the grid peripheral device 300 may be made ofan elastic or flexible material. For example, the grid peripheral device300 may be made from silicone, polyurethane, neoprene, rubber,elastomeric, elastic, elastic polymer, flexible rubber, or any othersuitable material now known or later developed. In other embodiments,the grid peripheral device 300 is made of a rigid plastic. Still inothers, the grid peripheral device 300 has portions that are flexibleand portions that are rigid.

In an embodiment, the grid peripheral device need not be a unitaryconstruction, but may be made of various types of materials. For examplethe grid pattern of the grid peripheral device may be of a rigidmaterial. Additionally, the grid face and the grid base may have affixedupon them attachment elements that are rigid (such as, for example,hooks for a hook-and-loop attachment element scheme). Other examplesinclude using rigid elements to provide structural support to the gridperipheral device 300.

The grid base 308 may attach to a camera accessory mounting element,such as the camera accessory mounting element described with referenceto FIG. 1A. Alternatively, the grid base 308 may attach to anotherperipheral device such as a second grid peripheral device 300, oranother device. The grid base 308 may have a substantially flat surfacedesigned to be secured flush with the face of a camera attachmentmounting element or another peripheral device.

The grid face 306 faces away from the camera accessory mounting element.The grid face 306 may attach to another peripheral device. For example,the grid face 306 may attach to a dish base with the aid of attachmentelement 310.

The attachment elements 310 are adapted to secure the grid peripheraldevice 300 to a camera accessory mounting element, such as the cameraaccessory mounting element as described in FIG. 1A. Additionally, theattachment elements 310 may secure one or more peripheral devices. Theattachment elements 310 may be magnets. The magnets may be of any shape,and may be removable and stored in the grid peripheral device 310. Forexample, the magnets may be of cylindrical shape and may be removablyinserted into an attachment element housing 312.

In other embodiments, the attachment element 310 may be one or moreattachment elements such as hook-and-loop fastener, a magnet, a snapconnector, a button, a cavity, an adhesive, a clamp, and a threadedconnection. Additionally, other types of attachment means arecontemplated. For example, attachment elements 310 may be snapconnectors, hook-and-loop fasteners, or threads located on the grid face306 or grid base 308.

FIGS. 4A and 4B illustrate an embodiment of a light filter peripheraldevice 400. As illustrated, a light filter peripheral device 400includes a light filter 402, a light filter body 404. The light filterbody 404 has a filter receiving slot 406 and an attachment element 408.FIG. 4A depicts an attachment element housing 410.

The light filter 402 may be a transparent or translucent object. Othershapes may be used. For example, the light filter 402 may have opticalreflectance or refractive properties. The light filter may be made ofglass, plastic, a transparent or translucent polymer, or any othermaterial now known or later developed.

In an embodiment, the light filter body 404 is of a unitaryconstruction. In an embodiment, the light filter body 404 is made of anelastic or flexible material. For example, the light filter body 404 maybe made from silicone, polyurethane, neoprene, rubber, elastomeric,elastic, elastic polymer, flexible rubber, or any other suitablematerial now known or later developed. In other embodiments, the lightfilter body 404 is made of a rigid plastic. Still in others, the lightfilter body 404 has portions that are flexible and portions that arerigid.

In an embodiment, the light filter body need not be a unitaryconstruction, but may be made of various types of materials. A faceand/or base of the light filter peripheral device may have attachmentelements that are rigid. These rigid portions may be used as anattachment element (such as, for example, hooks). Other examples includeusing rigid elements to provide structural support to the light filterperipheral device.

The light filter body 404 is adapted to receive the light filter 402. Inan embodiment, this occurs by the light filter 404 being placed into afilter receiving slot 406. The filter receiving slot 406 removablyreceives the light filter 402. In another embodiment, the light filter402 is permanently housed in the light filter body 404.

The base 414 of the light filter body may attach to a camera accessorymounting element, such as the camera accessory mounting elementdescribed with reference to FIG. 1A. Alternatively, the base 414 mayattach to another peripheral such as a grid or another light filterperipheral device. The base 414 may have a substantially flat surfacedesigned to be secured flush with the face of a camera attachmentmounting element or another peripheral device.

The face 412 faces away from the camera accessory mounting element. Theface 412 may attach to another peripheral device. For example, the face412 may attach to a dish base with the aid of attachment element 408.

The attachment elements 408 are adapted to secure a light filterperipheral device 400 to a camera accessory mounting element, such asthe camera accessory mounting element as described in FIG. 1A or 1B.Additionally, the attachment elements 408 may secure one or moreperipheral devices.

The attachment elements 408 may be magnets. The magnets may be of anyshape, and may be removable and stored in the light filter body 404. Forexample, the magnets may be of cylindrical shape and may be removablyinserted into an attachment element housing 410.

In other embodiments, the attachment element 408 may be one or moreattachment means such as hook-and-loop fastener, a magnet, a snapconnector, a button, a cavity, an adhesive, a clamp, and a threadedconnection. Additionally, other types of attachment means arecontemplated. For example, attachment elements 408 may be snapconnectors, hook-and-loop fasteners, or threads located on the face 412or base 414.

FIGS. 5 and 6 represent embodiments of a system for attaching one ormore peripheral devices to a camera component. FIG. 5 illustrates anembodiment of attaching a grid peripheral device 300 and a light filterperipheral device 400 to a camera component using a camera accessorymounting element 100. As illustrated, a camera accessory mountingelement 100 is mounted on a camera component 118. The camera accessorymounting element 100 may be stretched so as to be mounted to the cameracomponent 118. Attachment elements 114 are placed in the cameraaccessory mounting element 100. The attachment elements 114 are alignedwith attachment element 310 of a grid peripheral device 300.Additionally, aspects of the current technology provide that attachmentelement 310 aligns with attachment element 408.

In an embodiment, attachment elements may be magnets. In such anembodiment, a user may place the grid peripheral device 300 in proximityto the camera accessory mounting element 100. The magnetic attractionbetween the attachment elements 310 and the attachment elements 114 willsecure the grid peripheral device 300 to the camera accessory mountingelement 100.

A light filter peripheral device 400 is similarly attached to the gridperipheral device 300. Attachment elements of the grid peripheral device300 align with attachment elements of the peripheral device 400. Forexample, the grid peripheral device 300 may have attachment elements 310that are magnets and attach to ferrous magnetic material of a lightfilter peripheral device 400, such as an attachment element 408. In oneaspect, the light filter peripheral device 400 may include simplemagnets similar to magnets 310.

FIG. 6 illustrates an embodiment of attaching a light directing dish 200and a camera component 118 using a camera accessory mounting element100. As illustrated, a camera accessory mounting element 100 is mountedon a camera component 118. Mounting may occur by stretching the cameraaccessory mounting element 100 over the camera component 118. Attachmentelements 114 are placed in the camera accessory mounting element 100.The attachment elements 114 are aligned with attachment elements of alight directing dish 200.

In an embodiment, attachment elements may be magnets. In such anembodiment, a user may place the light directing dish 200 in proximityto the camera accessory mounting element 100. The magnetic attractionbetween the attachment elements and the attachment elements 114 willsecure the light directing dish to the to the camera accessory mountingelement 100.

While FIGS. 5 and 6 illustrate specific peripheral devices beingattached to a camera component in a particular order, it will beappreciated that the order and types of peripheral devices that may beattached may vary. For example, a user may attach a light filter, agrid, and a dish to a camera component using a camera accessory mountingelement. Alternatively, a user may attach multiple grids to a cameracomponent using a camera accessory mounting element.

FIG. 7 illustrates camera accessory mounting element 702 attached to alens 706 of a camera 704. In an embodiment, the camera accessorymounting element 702 is of a unitary construction. For example, thecamera accessory mounting element 702 may be made of an elastic orflexible material. For example, the camera accessory mounting element702 may be made from silicone, polyurethane, neoprene, rubber,elastomeric, elastic, elastic polymer, flexible rubber, or any othersuitable material now known or later developed. In other embodiments,the camera accessory mounting element 702 is made of a rigid plastic.Still in others, the camera accessory mounting element 702 has portionsthat are flexible and portions that are rigid.

Camera accessory mounting element 702 has attachment element 708. Asillustrated, attachment element 708 is a magnetized race that isdisposed on the face 710 of the attachment element 702. In otherembodiments, the attachment element 708 may be a variety of elementssuch as a hook-and-loop fastener, a magnet, a snap connector, a button,a cavity, an adhesive, a clamp, and a threaded connection. Additionally,other types of coupling elements are contemplated. For example,attachment element 708 may be snap connectors, hook-and-loop fasteners,or threads located on the face 708 of the camera accessory mountingelement 702.

Camera accessory mounting element 702 is attached to a lens 706. Theattachment element 708 is adapted to couple all manner of peripheraldevices to the lens. This may include light filters, lens hoods,telescopic lenses, etc. In other embodiments, the camera accessorymounting element 702 may attach to a lens mount, allowing the quickchange of one or more lenses. Attaching the camera accessory mountingelement 702 mounting element to the camera 706 may occur by stretchingcamera accessory 702 around the lens of a camera.

It will be clear that the systems and methods described herein are welladapted to attain the ends and advantages mentioned as well as thoseinherent therein. Those skilled in the art will recognize that themethods and systems within this specification may be implemented in manymanners and as such is not to be limited by the foregoing exemplifiedembodiments and examples. In other words, functional elements beingperformed by a single or multiple components and individual functionscan be distributed among different components. In this regard, anynumber of the features of the different embodiments described herein maybe combined into one single embodiment and alternate embodiments havingfewer than or more than all of the features herein described aspossible.

While various embodiments have been described for purposes of thisdisclosure, various changes and modifications may be made which are wellwithin the scope of the disclosed methods. Numerous other changes may bemade which will readily suggest themselves to those skilled in the artand which are encompassed in the spirit of the disclosure.

I claim:
 1. A system of manipulating light from a flash equipment of acamera, the system comprising: an apparatus for coupling a firstadditional device to the flash equipment, the apparatus having anelastic, flexible body that, after being stretched to fit around theflash equipment of a camera, tends to return to the elastic, flexiblebody's original shape, wherein the elastic, flexible body also has aface that faces outwardly from the flash equipment, and further whereinthe elastic, flexible body defines an opening adapted to receive theflash equipment of a camera; and a housing element protruding from theelastic, flexible body, wherein the housing element houses at least onemagnet disposed proximate to the face such that the face of theapparatus may is adapted to receive the first additional device flush tothe face.
 2. The system of claim 1, wherein a grid is the additionaldevice and is coupled to the apparatus, and further wherein the gridincludes a body having a grid pattern, a side ridge, a grid face, a gridbase, and a grid attachment element that is a ferromagnetic material;and further wherein the grid couples to the apparatus by aligning theferromagnetic material with the at least one magnet.
 3. The system ofclaim 2, further comprising a first light directing device magneticallycoupled to the grid, wherein the first light directing device includes:a frustoconical hollow body, wherein the frustoconical hollow bodyincludes: a base end of the hollow body; a light directing end of thehollow body; an interior portion designed to direct light from the baseend to the light directing end; and a magnet secured to the base end ofthe hollow body, further wherein the base end of the hollow body couplesto the grid face of the grid.
 4. The system of claim 2 furthercomprising: a lens filter body adapted to receive a lens filter, whereinthe lens filter body defines a lens filter base and a lens filter face;and an attachment element housing coupled to the lens filter body,wherein the attachment element housing houses a magnet, wherein the lensfilter base is coupled to the face of the grid.
 5. The system of claim 4wherein the lens filter body is made of a rigid plastic.
 6. The systemof claim 4 wherein the lens filter is a translucent filter.